Laboratory Based Identification of Heat Stress Biomarkers and Effective Cooling Interventions
Stanford University
Summary
Our study has two goals. The first goal is to find a blood test that can detect signs of strain from heat in the body ("a biomarker"). Second, the study team wants to identify types of devices that can help people cool down quickly. By identifying biomarkers for heat strain, scientists can better track and treat the health effects of heat. The study team will identify such biomarkers by simulating, in a laboratory-based environment, the heat and physical work that real-world workers experience. In addition, the study team plans to test two cooling technologies that might keep people cool during physical activity.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-50 * Able to communicate in English or Spanish * General good health * A lifestyle that includes regular patterns of modest exercise * Body weight over 80 pounds Exclusion Criteria: * Cannot provide informed consent * Known history of cardiac arrhythmias or having a pacemaker * Difficulty swallowing pills * Planned upcoming X-ray tests or MRI * Known history of gastroparesis, diverticulosis or diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease * Previous surgery on stomach or intestines (except for appendix or gallbladder) * Pregnancy * Self-reported cardiac, kidney,…
Interventions
- OtherHand cooling table
A participant can rest their hand on the cooling table after the one hour exercise session, and this should cool their body quickly. Cold water is pumped throughout the cooling table.
- OtherCooling bandana
A participant will tie a bandana that has been soaked in cold water onto their forehead. They will wear this bandana during the one hour exercise session.
Location
- Stanford UniversityStanford, California